Electrical control system for selecting and operating electrical systems



Dec. 9, 1969 F. G. cLu'r'scm 3,483, 3

ELECTRICAL CONTROL SYSTEM FOR SELECTING AND OPERATING ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS Filed Jan. 4, 1965 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 FIG! IF I4.

ENERGY FUNCTION CONTROL SOURC E MODULE SELECTION CONTROL moou uz INVENTOR. FREDRICK G. CLUTSOM ATTORNEY United States Patent US. Cl. 317-123 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE This is an electrical control system for selecting and operating electrical systems by means of a single mechanical switch. One position of the mechanical switch serves to select any one of a plurality of difierent electrical systems and another position of the mechanical switch serves to electrically operate the selected system.

This invention generally relates to a control system and more particularly relates to an electrical control system containing a selection control module and a function con trol module each of which is alternatively operable by a single switching means.

In the past, mechanical or electrical facilities for either signal or system control operations required the use of a separate switch for each operation. Consequently, where it was desired to select one system or operate a number of different systems either simultaneously or individually, it was necessary to have a number of operating knob or switches that equalled or exceeded the number of systems that were to be operated. In an environment such as a hospital, it is customary to have a single pushbutton which a patient uses to signal a nurse or other attendant to come to the aid of the patient for the purpose of operating systems such as television, telephone, radio, electrically controlled bed, etc. A need existed for a control system which would enable a patient to select and operate any one of a number of systems without the necessity of calling attendants. In fact, it was even more desirable to have a control system simply operated by a single pushbutton that is capable of selecting any system and operating any one or more of a number of systems. Preferably, the push button should be constructed and adapted to be operated by a person who might be completely paralyzed except for possible control over the movement of just part of a single finger. In fact, it is even more advantageous to have a control system operable by a patient at one location and also operable from at least one other location by either an attendant, nurse, doctor, etc.

It is an object of this invention to provide an improved control system.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a con trol system whereby a single pushbutton can select and operate any one of a plurality of electrical systems connected to the control system.

It is a still further object of this invention to provide an improved switch arrangement for operating a control system. It is another object of this invention to provide an improved battery pack adaptable to operate the control system of this invention.

These and further objects of the present invention are accomplished by a control system which includes means for moving a switch to any one of a plurality of electrical contacts. The switch that is actuated is preferably a conventional stepping switch, however, it should be apparent to people skilled in the art that other assemblies including solid state devices, magnetic devices, electromagnetic or mechanical devices can also be actuated and used in place of the conventional stepping switch including those assemblies having printed circuit portions. The control system also includes means for operating a system electrically connected to the selected electrical contact such as a telephone, radio, television, etc. Switch means cooperatively associated with a source of electrical energy are provided to alternatively operate the switch moving means and the switch operating means of the control system. The switch means shown in the attached drawings are of the pushbutton type however, other movable switches performing the same operation can also be utilized.

These and other features, objects and advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent from consideration of the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings wherein:

FIGURE 1 is a simplified schematic using blocks to illustrate the cooperative relationship between the switch means and the energy source, the selection control module, and the function control module of the control system; and

FIGURE 2 is a schematic of the entire control system.

Referring to FIGURE 1, a switch means 10 is associated with a selection control module 12 and a function control module 14 whereby electrical energy from energy source 16 is used to energize either the selection control module 12 or the function control module 14 as determined by the operation or position of the switch means 10.

SWITCHING MEANS Referring to FIGURES 1 and 2, switch means 10 generally designates a pushbutton 18 containing a shorting bar 20 which can be reciprocated into contact with any one of the three sets of electrical contacts 21, 22; 22, 23; or 23, 24 as indicated by the double headed arrow 25. It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that a toggle switch or any other type of movable switch can be used instead of the pushbutton 18, if desired. Preferably, the pushbutton 18 is spring loaded as indicated by reference numeral 19 so that movement of the pushbutton 18 from its natural position, which places the shorting bar 20 across electrical contacts 23, 24, will cause the pushbutton 18 to return to its normal position upon the release thereof. A capacitor 26 is electrically connected between junction point 27 which is at ground potential and the electrical contact 23.'The function of the capacitor 26 is described below.

SELECTION CONTROL MODULE The selection control module is located within box 12 shown in broken lines in FIGURE 2 and is electronically connected to the electrical contact 24. The selection control module 12 comprises a resistor 29 that is in series with the contact 24. A transistor 31 has its base connected to junction point 33. Resistor 35 is electrically connected between junction point 37 and the collector of the transistor 31. The emitter of transistor 31 is connected to junction point 39 which is electrically connected to the base of transistor 41. The collector of the transistor 41 is electrically connected to junction point 43. A conventional diode 45 is electrically connected as shown between the junction point 43 and junction point 47 which is connected to the junction point 37. Resistor 49 is electrically connected to the junction point 33 and to junction point 51; and resistor 53 is electrically connected between the junction point 39' and junction point 55 which is connected to junction point 51. Junction point 57 is electrically connected to the emitter of the transistor 41. Junction points 51, 55 and 57 are connected to each other.

FUNCTION CONTROL MODULE The function control module is located within a box 14 of broken lines as shown in FIGURE 2 and is pref- 3 erably exactly the same as the selection control module 12 thereby facilitating replacement of modules and reducing required inventory stock. The designation of the same electrical elements in the function control module 14 as used in the selection control module 12 is symbolized by the use of the letter a in the function control module 14 with the corresponding reference numeral in the selection control module 12. Therefore, electrical contact 21 is connected to the resistor 29a of the function control module 14.

Intermediate junction point 58 located between junction points 47a and 37 is connected to electrical contact 22 through resistor 59. Junction point 60, which is outside the box of broken lines associated with the selection control module 12, is electrically connected to junction point 47 and is also electrically connected to junction point 61. A ratchet relay includes relay coil 63, contacts 65 and 67, and wiper contact 64. The relay coil 63 is connected to junction point 61 as is wiper contact 64. Stepping switch coils 69 and 71 associated respectively with for ward and reverse movements of stepping switches 73 and 75 operate (as designated by broken line) conventional ratchet switches (not shown) to move both stepping switch 73 and stepping switch 75 one step in either the forward or reverse direction depending upon the position of the wiper arm 64. Stepping switches 73 and 75 are mechanically interconnected by means of the conventional ratchet switches so that movement of the stepping switch 73 to any desired electrical contact will cause a corresponding movement of the stepping switch 75 to the same electrical contact. When wiper arm 64 is in contact with the electrical contact 65, stepping switches 73 and 75 will be permitted to move in a counterclockwise or forward direction whereas electrical contact between wiper arm 64 and electrical contact 67 will cause the selection and function control stepping switch 73 and the selection and function indicator stepping switch 75 to move in a reverse or clockwise direction. Stepping switch coils 69 and 71 are electrically connected to junction point 70 which is electrically connected to the junction point 43 of the selection control module 12.

The forward and reverse movement of the stepping switches 73 and 75 is accomplished by means of the stepping switch coils 69 and 71 which are part of the switching arrangement together with at least one and possibly a number of electrical contacts appropriately spaced in association with the stepping switch 73 as shown by conductor 77 connected to electrical contacts 79 and 81. Spaced electrical contacts 79 and 81 are used to permit changes in the direction of movement of the stepping switches 73 and 75 and thereby rapidly facilitate selection and/or operation of a particular electrical system associated with the other electrical contacts of the stepping switch 73 without the necessity of going through a complete cycle of steps. The manner of operation of the wiper arm 64 together with stepping switch coils 69 and 71 is described hereafter.

ENERGY SOURCE The electrical energy source is generally designated by numeral 16 and consists of an A.C. to DC. power supply and a battery pack designated generally by numeral 83 and contained Within the box of broken lines associated therewith. The battery pack 83 and the A.C. to DC power supply are electrically connected to electrical contact 22 through resistor 59, junction points 58, 47a, and 37a.

The battery pack 83 contains a rechargeable battery 85 which is located between junction points 87 and 91. located between junction points 89 and 91 is a battery charge current indicator lamp 93 connected in series with a conventional Ge diode 95. The lamp 93 and diode 95 serve to limit the charging current through the battery 85 by acting as variable resistors to limit the amount of charging current to a maximum level. Junction point 97 4 1 is connected to junction point 89 and a Si diode 99 is electrically connected between junction points 91 and 97. The diode 99 allows operating current to flow through the battery. The battery pack 83 functions to supply electrical energy to the control system continuously and only upon failure of the battery pack 83 will the control system be operated by the A.C. to DC. power supply. In this manner of operation, failure in the A.C. to D.C. power supply does not affect the operability of the control system.

A conventional source of electrical energy, such as a 115 volt A.C. source is suitably rectified by means of transformer 100 which contains inductors 101 and 103. Fuse 105 is electrically connected to the inductor 101 as a safety precaution. Diodes 104 and 106 are connected to each end of the inductor 103 and junction points 109 and 111, respectively. Junction point 107 located between junction points 109 and 111 is electrically connected to junction point 97 of the battery pack 83. Filter capacitor 113 is electrically connected between junction points 111 and 115 so that the capacitor 113 filters the rectified energy from diodes 104 and 106. Junction point 115 is electrically connected to junction point 87 of the battery pack 83. Junction point 117 is electrically connected to the center tap of the inductor 103 and is also electrically connected to junction point 119 which, in turn, is electrically connected to wiper arm 120 of the selection and function indicator stepping switch 75.

Operatively connected to the contacts of the stepping switch 75 is suitable selection indicators preferably in the form of light indicators to designate each electrical system that has been selected. Each corresponding function indicator is connected to its associated selection indicator as shown in FIGURE 2. In addition, the function indicator lamps are connected along with the selection indicator lamps to junction point 109. Furthermore, the function control indicator lamps are individually connected to each of the systems to indicate which ones are operating as shown by Function Indicator contact.

The energy source 16 besides serving as an energy source for the control system also functions to supply power through electrical contacts 121 and 123 to operate a portable iron lung or other similar mechanisms such as heart machines, etc., if necessary. Electrical energy from the battery pack 83 is fed to the iron lung through electrical contact 123. Lung failure lamp indicator 125 is electrically connected to electrical contact 127 which is connected to the lung (not shown) and indicates the nonoperation thereof when the lamp is extinguished.

If desired, manual operation of the stepping switches 73 and 75 can be achieved from the front panel of the control console (not shown) by simple mechanical linkages interconnected between box 129 and the stepping switches. Appropriate operating knobs or controls generally designated by box 129 can be used to operate the stepping switches 73 and 75 through their associated ratchet switches. In this way, selection of any one and operation of any one or more of the electrical systems can be attained independently of the switching means 10.

Similarly, electrical operation of the system selected by the stepping switches 73 and 75 can be achieved by closing switch 131 which is preferably mounted on the front panel of the control console. Closing switch 131 permits energy from the energy source 16 to pass through junction point 132, switch 131, junction point 133, and wiper contact 135 of the stepping switch 73 to operate the selected system. Switch 131 is preferably spring loaded in order to return to an open position upon the release thereof.

METHOD OF OPERATION If one desires to select and operate an electrical system such as a television set, the operator uses the switching means 10 to move the stepping switches 73 and 75 to the electrical contact which is designated by a selection indicator light as television. The pushbutton 18 is preferably spring loaded to facilitate return of the shorting bar 20 to its natural position between contacts 23 and 24 which is especially important in the event an invalid or a physically handicapped person is unable to accomplish a reciprocal movement of a switch with his finger. In this manner, the shorting bar 20 need not be constantly in contact with the energy source 16 thereby permitting the control system to operate more efliciently. The movement of the stepping switches 73 and 75 is achieved by moving pushbutton 18 with its associated shorting bar 20 to the position where contact is made with the set of electrical contacts 22 and 23. In this position, electrical energy coming from energy source 16 through junction point 58, resistor 59, electrical contact 22, shorting bar 20, and electrical contact 23 charges up the capacitor 26. A pulse having a short time duration is generated by the selection control module 12 as the capacitor 26 discharges its stored energy through the circuit containing the transistors 31 and 41 of the selection control module 12. Electrical energy is fed from the capacitor 26 through electrical contact 24, resistor 29, junction point 33, into transistor 31 to turn it on. Electrical energy through junction point 39 into transistor 41 turns this transistor on. Hence, an energizing pulse from transistor 41 through junction point 43, actuates one of the stepping switch coils associated with the electrical contact 70. Either stepping switch coil 69 or 71 is actuated depending on the position of the wiper contact 64. Ratchet switches associated with either of the stepping switch coils 69 or 71 serve to move the stepping switches 73 and 75 to the next step.

In the position shown in FIGURE 2, wiper contact 135 of the stepping switch 73 is in contact with the electrical contact 79 that is electrically connected to the relay coil 63 operating wiper contact 64. Therefore, the stepping switches 73 and 75 can be caused to reverse their original direction of movement merely by pushing the pushbutton 18 down to the position where the shorting bar 20 is located between contacts 21 and 22. In this position, electrical energy from either the A.C. to DC. power source or the battery pack 83 is fed through the junction point 58 and resistor 59 across contacts 22 and 21, through resistor 29a, junction point 33a into transistor 31a thereby turning it on. Electrical energy through junction point 39a into transistor 41a turns the transistor 41a on thereby sending electrical energy through the junction points 43a and 133, wiper contact 135 of the stepping switch 73, elec trical contact 79 that is electrically connected to the relay coil 63 which causes wiper contact 64 to move to contact 67. In this manner, the ratchet switches associated with stepping switch coil 71 serve to reverse the original direction of motion of the stepping switches 73 and 75.

When the desired system selection is made by moving the pushbutton 18 with its shorting bar 20 the desired number of times from its position between contacts 23 and 24 to the position between contacts 22 and 23 and each time releasing the pushbuton 18 to permit it to spring back to its natural position between contacts 23 and 24, operation of the electrical system associated with the electrical contact that has been selected by both stepping switches 73 and 75 can now be achieved.

This is done by moving the pushbutton 18 with its shorting bar 20 into the position between contacts 21 and 22. Electrical energy from either the A.C. and DC. power source or the battery pack 83 is fed through junction point 58, resistor 59, electrical contact 22, shorting bar 20, electrical contact 21, resistor 29a, junction point 33a and into transistor 31a turning it on. Electrical energy flowing through junction point 39a into transistor 41a turns it on thereby sending electrical energy through junction points 43a and 133, through wiper contact 135 of the stepping switch 73 to the selected or associated Function Control lead. Ratchet switches, relays or other devices associated with each Function Control lead operate the electrical system connected to its associated electrical contact in the stepping switch 73. The function and selection indicator panel, which is preferably two sets of small lightbulbs with one set associated with function indication and the other set with selection indication, is electrically connected to the contacts associated with the stepping switch 75 and thereby indicates What system has been se- 'lected and which system or systems are functioning by the bulbs that are lit.

While the control system of this invention is readily adaptable for use in environments such as hospitals, clinics, rest and old age homes, etc. it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that this control system is also applicable for other desired types of control applications such as are used in offices, homes, industries, remote control applications, communication systems, space systems, etc. Furthermore, since many embodiments and 'variations may be made of this invention, it is not intended to limit the scope of this invention to the specific description above, but only by the claims following hereinafter.

I claim:

1. A control system comprising, in combination, means for selecting any one of a plurality of electrical systems, means for operating the selected electrical system, and a single mechanical switch means cooperatively associated with a source of electrical energy to alternatively operate in one position of said mechanical switch said system selection means and in another position ofsaid mechanical switch said system operation means.

2. A control system comprising, in combination, means for moving a switch to any one of a plurality of electrical contacts, means for operating a system electrically connected to the selected electrical contact, and a single mechanical switch means cooperatively associated with a source of electrical energy to alternatively operate in one position of said mechanical switch said switch moving means and in another position of said mechanical switch said system operation means.

3. A control system comprising, in combination, means for moving a switch to any one of a plurality of electrical contacts, means for operating a system electrically connected to the selected electrical contact, and a single mechanical switch means cooperatively associated with a source of electrical energy to alternatively operate in one position of said mechanical switch said switch moving means and in another position of said mechanical switch said system operation means, said switch means comprising a single movable electrical conductive portion alternatively connectable to said switch moving means, the source of electrical energy, and both said system operation means and the source of electrical energy.

4. A control system comprising, in combination, means for moving a switch to any one of a plurality of electrical contacts, means for operating a system electrically connected to the selected electrical contact, a single mechanical switch means cooperatively associated with a source of electrical energy to alternatively operate in one position of said mechanical switch said switch moving means and in another position of said mechanical switch said system operation means, said switch means comprising a single movable electrically conductive portion alternatively connectable to said switch moving means, the source of electrical energy, and both said system operation means and the source of electrical energy, and means electrically connectable to said movable electrically conductive portion of said switch means for storing electrical energy received from the source of electrical energy to operate said switch moving means.

5. A control system comprising, in combination, means for moving a switch to any one of a plurality of electrical contacts, means for operating a system electrically connected to the selected electrical contact, a single mechanical switch means cooperatively associated with a source of electrical energy to alternatively operate in one position of said mechanical switch said switch moving means and in another position of said mechanical switch said system operation means, said switch means comprising a single movable electrically conductive portion alternative ly connectable to said switch moving means, the source of electrical energy, and both saidsystem operation means and the source of elctrical energy, and means electrically connectable to said movable electrically conductive portion of said switch means for storing electrical energy received from the source of electrical energy to operate said switch moving means, said electrical energy storing means comprising a capacitor.

6. A control system comprising, in combination, means for moving a switch to any one of a plurality of electrical contacts, said switch moving means comprising a selection control module, means for operating a system electrically connected to the selected electrical contact, said system operation means comprising a function control module, and. a; single, mechanical switch means cooperatively associated with a source of electrical energy to alternatively operatesaid selectioncontrol module in oneposition of said mechanical switch means and said function control module in another, position of "said mechanical switch means;

r 7. A control system in accordance with claim 6, in which said switch moving means comprising at least one switch coil operatively connected to move the switch, said selection control module comprising transistor means electrically connected to said switch coil to' energize said coil.

switch coils to energize said coils.

10. A control system in accordance with claim 9, in which said transistor means comprising apair of transistors, the base of one of said pair of transistors being electrically connected to the emitter of the other of said transistors, the collector of said one transistor being electrically connected to each of said pair of switch coils.

11. A control system comprising, in combination, means for selecting any one of'a plurality of electrical contacts, an electrical energy source, means for'providing electrical energy from said electrical energy source to the selected contact, and a single mechanical switch means cooperatively associated with said source of electrical energy to alternatively operate in one po sitionof said mechanical switch said electrical contact selection means and in another position of said mechanical switch said electrical energy providing means.

. 12. A control system comprising, in combination, means for moving a switch to any one of a plurality of electric al contacts, and switch moving means comprising a selection control module, means for operating a system electrically connected to the selected electrical contact, said system operation means comprising a function control module, said function control module comprising transistor means electrically connected to the selected electrical contact, and a single mechanical switch means cooperatively associated with a source of electrical energy to alternatively operate in one position of said mechanical switch said selection control module and in another position of said mechanical switch said transistor means of said function control module.

13. A control system in accordance with claim 12, in which said switch moving means comprising at least one switch coil operatively connected to move the switch, said selection control module comprising transistor means electrically connected to said switch coil to energize said coil.

Cir

14.-A 'control'sys'tem ;in accordance with claim 13, in which ,saidflswitch, moving means'comprising a pair'of switch coils operatively connected to movejthe switch to, any one of said plurality of electrical'contacts, said trail: sistor means of said selection control module comprising a pair of transistors, the base of oneof said pair of trans-v sistors beingelectrically connected to the emitter ofthe other of said transistors, the collector of said one transis: tor being electrically connected to each one of said pair of switch jcoils,$ said transistor tmeans of said function control module comprising a pair of transistors, the base of one of said pair of function control moduletransistors being electrically connected to the emitter of the other of said pair of transistors, the collector of said one transistorbeing electrically connected to said selected contact,

* 15. A control system comprising, in combination, means, for moving a stepping switch to any one of a plurality of electrical contacts, said switch moving ,means comprising a selection control'module and a pair of stepping switch coils operatively connected to move the stepping switch, one-0f said pair of stepping switch'coils adaptable to move the steppingswitch in a forward direction,- the other of said pair of stepping switch coils adaptable to move the'stepping switch in a reverse direction, said selection control module comprising a pair of transistors, the base of one of said pair of transistors being electric= ally connected to the emitter of the other of said pair oi transistors, the collector of said one transistor beingelec trically connected to each of said pair of stepping switch coils, means for operating a system electrically connected to the selected electrical contact, said system operation meanscomprising a function control module, said function control module comprising a pair of transistors, the base of one of said pair of transistors of said function control module being electrically connected to the emitter oi the other of said pair of transistors, the collector of said one transistor of said pair of transistors of said func: tion control module being electrically connected to said selected contact, an electrical energy source, switch means cooperatively associated with said source of electrical energy to alternatively operate said selection control module of said switch moving means and said function control module of said system operation means, said switch means comprising a movable electrically conductive por-, tion alternatively connectable to said selection control module of said switch moving means, said source of electrical energy, and both said function control module of said system operation means and said source of electrical energy, and means electrically connectable to said movable electrically conductive portion of said switch means for storingelectrical energy received from said source of electrical energy to operate said selection control module of said switch moving means, said electrical energy storing means comprisinga capacitor.

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